Former Digicel Rising Stars finalist Jodian Pantry, who is now a born-again Christian, will lead a strong cast of performers at today's staging of 'Jodian Pantry & Friends in Tenacity'.

The all-day event takes place at the Tiger Mart on Main Street, Clarendon.

This is the third staging of the event which was previously known as Gospel Tenacity.

Pantry explained the concept behind the event.

“When you think of tenacity, it's all about being able to... or being determined enough to do something. I am determined in helping to minimise, combat and eradicate crime in the parish of Clarendon, my birth-place, by using outreach activities, togetherness, oneness, prayer, praise and worship to intercede on the people's behalf,” said Pantry.

In October 2017, Clarendon recorded 131 murders. The nation's murder figure, at the time, stood at more than 1,265 people.

Pantry is promising a spectacular event.

“Patrons can expect a difference from the last two years, seeing that a fun day has now been added, which includes rides for kids, a cook-off between police officers and pastors and inner-city youths, and cultural items from schools in the parish in the day time. There will be a lot of giveaways. The 'wow factor' will be the ministry/performance of prolific gospel artistes in the night,” she said.

The day of activities kick off at 10:00 am with a peace march. The fun day begins at noon, while the cook-off takes place at 2:00 pm. Showtime, which kicks off at 8:00 pm, will feature performances from acts including Pantry, Goddy Goddy, Joan Flemming, Chozenn, Jermaine Edwards, Orville Sutherland, Jabez, Flavia, Howard Brown, Kevin Heath, Romayne Thomas, Vytalite, and Dannareco Fearon.

Part proceeds from the event will go towards seven-year-old Jerodene Bailey, who has stage four cancer.

Pantry, who finished in third place in the Digicel Rising Stars competition in 2007, released an EP titled Never Stay Away.

“Seven years ago, the music for me was a struggle, lots of disappointments, failed management that was to help my career be the best, the bias treatment in the music industry, false promises — I just couldn't deal with the doors being slammed in my face as a 19-year-old then. I completely surrendered my life to Jesus Christ at the age of 26. My career now is right where I want it to be; in the hands of God and a trustworthy and passionate management team who believes in my talent and me 100 per cent. 2017 had its hiccups, however the demand for my ministry started going up September of 2017,” said Pantry.